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Evolving Healthcare for all New Yorkers
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The Problem
There are roughly 11,000 dermatologists actively practicing within the United States. If each were to perform annual skin checks on an equal share of the 345,896,493 individuals living in our country, that would mean a group of merely 9 dermatologists would be responsible for seeing a patient panel equal to the population of a relatively large city, like St. Louis, Missouri, EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR. We know that not only would this be impossible, but that it's also simply not the case. Despite advances in medical technology and a growing public awareness of skin health, significant barriers still impede access to dermatologic care for many individuals.
The Problem
The Major Barriers to Care
01
Accessible Providers
One of the most pressing challenges is the limited availability of dermatologists, particularly in underserved areas. Approximately 88% of rural counties in the United States lack a single dermatologist, leaving countless individuals without essential skin care services.(1) Even within urban centers like New York City, there are neighborhoods where access is scarce, as many dermatologists concentrate in affluent areas. This geographical disparity means that people in lower-income or rural communities are left with few options for timely appointments.(2)
02
Cost
Many Americans report that they cannot afford the out-of-pocket expenses associated with seeing a dermatologist, which can average between $100 and $200 per visit for those who are uninsured.(3) This is a significant deterrent for many individuals, especially for those with limited financial resources who often prioritize essential healthcare needs over specialty consultations. Additionally, even when insurance is available, high deductibles and copays can create further financial strain, deterring people from seeking necessary evaluations or treatments.
03
Wait Times
The average wait time for a dermatology consultation can exceed 32 days in urban settings and be even longer in rural areas, resulting in patients delaying treatment for skin conditions that could worsen over time.(4) Such delays not only impact physical health but can also lead to increased anxiety and worry for patients as they wait for crucial care or a diagnosis.
04
Cultural Factors
Studies show that Hispanic and Black patients are less likely to receive outpatient care for skin conditions compared to non-Hispanic white patients.(5) Language barriers can exacerbate these disparities, as individuals may struggle to communicate their needs or understand medical advice if English is not their first language.(6)
- Resneck JS Jr, Kimball AB. The Dermatology Workforce Shortage. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004;50(1):50-54. doi:10.1016/S0190-9622(03)02422-X
- American Academy of Dermatology. 2020 Dermatology Insights and Inquiries. Available at: https://www.aad.org/member/publications/insights.
- Fair Health Consumer. Healthcare Cost Estimates. Available at: https://www.fairhealthconsumer.org/.
- Merritt Hawkins. Survey of Physician Appointment Wait Times and Medicare and Medicaid Acceptance Rates. 2017. Available at: https://www.merritthawkins.com/uploadedfiles/merritthawkings/surveys/mha2017waittimesurvey.pdf
- Flores G. The Impact of Medical Interpreter Services on the Quality of Health Care: A Systematic Review. Med Care Res Rev. 2005;62(3):255-299. doi:10.1177/1077558705275416.
- U.S. Census Bureau. Language Spoken at Home. 2019 American Community Survey. Available at: https://data.census.gov/.
The Solution
BrilliSkin is revolutionizing access to dermatologic care by breaking down the barriers that have long kept essential skin health services out of reach for many individuals. Through our innovative teledermatology platform, we empower users to take control of their skincare by providing them with the ability to simply snap a photo of their skin condition and connect with board-certified dermatologists—all within 24 hours. By offering diagnoses and personalized treatment plans at about 10% of the cost of traditional appointments, BrilliSkin makes dermatologic care affordable and accessible to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographical location. Our user-friendly platform is designed with inclusivity in mind, featuring multilingual support to ensure that cultural differences do not hinder access to care. With a commitment to reaching underserved communities across New York City, the BrilliSkin app leverages advanced technologies to enhance the precision and efficiency of care. We are dedicated to dismantling the systemic barriers that have historically restricted access to dermatologic services and creating a future where high-quality skincare is a right for all, not a privilege. Join us in transforming the landscape of dermatologic health, one consultation at a time.
